Description
The Farmland Restoration, Climate Resiliency & Preparedness Grant (RRP) provides matching funds to Connecticut farmers, nonprofits and municipalities to support investments that increase the long term climate resiliency of farming operations and decrease farm vulnerability to extreme weather events. This will be implemented pursuant to a comprehensive Farmland Restoration and Climate Resiliency Plan (FRCR Plan) applicable to the agricultural producer’s entire farm. This program is different than the previously offered Farmland Restoration Grant with goals and priorities as outlined in this guidance. Funds can be used for capital investments including equipment and to implement farming practices that will have a multi-year or cumulative effect on the climate resiliency of the land or farming operation so long as the purchases or practices are pursuant to a FRCR Plan approved by DOAG.
Elligibility
The following entities are eligible to apply for the RRP Grant:
Agricultural producers, who are owners or tenants of an existing agribusiness within the State of Connecticut with at least one year of production experience.
Nonprofit organizations directly involved in production agriculture.
Eligible applicants can apply to either Group A or Group B as appropriate.
Producers operating on land leased from municipalities, land trusts, or nonprofit organizations are eligible to apply.
Producers must be registered with the Connecticut Secretary of State if they operate as a separate business entity in the State of Connecticut (this excludes sole proprietorships and general partnerships). If the producer is established as a business entity with the Secretary of State, the producer must obtain or be applying to obtain a Farmer’s Tax Exemption Permit. Farms should be a business in good standing with the Connecticut Department of Agriculture (DOAG), State, and Federal requirements. Nonprofit organizations must be registered with the Connecticut Secretary of State and provide a copy of the federal IRS exemption letter.
Available Funding
Group A is open to eligible farmers who identify as BIPOC, new/beginning (1-3 years of production), and/or veteran farmers and can received a maximum award of $50,000 to implement a FRCR Plan. Group B is open to all eligible farmers, including BIPOC, new/beginning, and/or veteran farmers, and can receive a maximum award of $100,000.
Length of Contracts
Not to exceed 18 months for defining the grant agreement. 24 months to execute plan
Cost-share requirements?
90/10 match requirement. 10% by the producer
Required Documentation (prove ownership/lease arrangements)
A complete application includes: 1. Your current land use and the future vision for your land. Describe your current use of the project area. Identify up to three (3) proposed projects or areas of interest. These are the activities that will increase the climate resiliency of your farmland. These projects can be applied to either land currently in use on your farm or land you wish to restore into agricultural 9 production. Provide a detailed description but be aware that actual project activities may change after working with a Soil Scientist on your FRCR Plan. Describe your goals and the expected impact you are looking to achieve, i.e. additional acreage in production, reduced water usage, improved drainage or runoff patterns, or improved organic matter biodiversity. 2. Demonstrate your current commitment to climate smart agricultural practices. a. Tell us about your farm’s current climate smart practices. b. List workshops, trainings, certifications, or classes. c. Estimate the value of investments you have already made in climate smart practices. 3. Aerial maps of the project area. Please include on this map a detailed sketch of the project, identifying what you hope to have done to the land. The aerial maps can be obtained from Google maps or USDA, (please see page 12 for an example map and sketch) 4. Farmland Classification Soil(s) map of project area, showing prime, statewide important, and locally important soils These can be obtained from NRCS or online at the Web Soil Survey (please see page 12 for an example Farmland Classification Soils Map and an instruction guide for using Web Soil Survey) 5. Pictures of the project area as it currently exists, prior to the project being completed. 6. If applicable – an approval letter from the easement holder for approval of the project. A template for the approval letter can be found on the Farmland Restoration Grant webpage at www.CTGrown.gov/grants. 7. If applicable – A statement from the landowner for approval of the project for projects on rented or leased land. A template for the approval letter can be found on the Farmland Restoration Grant webpage at www.CTGrown.gov/grants. 8. If applicable – an approved copy of an NRCS Conservation Plan or Comprehensive Nutrient Management Plan.
Contact
Eileen Underwood Eileen.Underwood@ct.gov